Guwahati, May 15: Himanta Biswa Sarma has initiated efforts to develop a major externally aided agriculture project in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods, agricultural value chains and market access for smallholder farmers across Assam.
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| Chief Secretary of Assam Ravi Kota and officials pose with the IFAD delegation led by Donal F. Brown after discussions on a proposed agriculture project focused on rural livelihoods, value chains and market access for smallholder farmers in Assam. (Image: X/CMOfficeAssam) |
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota held a detailed meeting with an IFAD delegation led by Donal F Brown following directions from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The meeting focused on financing a new Externally Aided Project (EAP) dedicated to Assam’s agriculture sector. Officials said the proposed initiative would prioritise improving rural livelihoods through stronger agricultural value chains, better market access and enhanced support systems for smallholder farmers.
The Assam government stated that IFAD responded positively to the proposal and expressed strong interest in partnering with the state for the ambitious project. Following the discussions, both sides agreed in principle to work towards Assam’s first and most comprehensive IFAD-supported programme focused specifically on farmer empowerment and inclusive rural growth.
Chief Secretary Ravi Kota appreciated IFAD’s encouraging response and reiterated the state government’s commitment to advancing a farmer-centric development model under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
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He stated that the proposed project would aim to create sustainable livelihood opportunities, strengthen agricultural production systems and improve market connectivity for farmers, particularly in rural and underserved regions of Assam.
Officials said the partnership is expected to catalyse transformative growth in Assam’s agriculture sector by integrating livelihood generation, value addition and improved market linkages into a comprehensive development framework.
The initiative is also expected to support long-term economic development in rural Assam while improving the income and resilience of smallholder farmers through targeted investments and institutional support.
